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2 20gal tanks need extreme cleaning "help"

2K views 15 replies 9 participants last post by  jokerman43 
#1 ·
Okay here it is, today I procured 2 20 gallon aquariums for free with all the equipment and accessories to get them up and running. But I have a problem, they where severely neglected and need to be cleaned extremely well. (they set 1/2 empty for almost 4 years) with everything still in them. They are in bad shape and I really want to try and save both of them I will reseal if needed but from what I can tell the seals are fine. What I'm looking for is some real good ideas on how to clean them including the equipment (gravel under gravel filters, plants pumps heater)
I know the basic ways to clean and maintain tanks, but these are bad they even smell like dog pee?!

here is a couple pictures

Any help/suggestions will be greatly appreciated.


these pictures look better then the tank do in person


no that's not a crack at the bottom and the tank is empty


:shock:
P.S. only if the pictures where scratch and sniff
 
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#3 ·
it really doeant look bad at all. soap and a green scrubbie should do the trick. just make sure the tank is clean of substrate and debris before you do it. if you get a piece of gravel or sand between the scrubber and the glass, you will have a big problem on your hands
 
#7 ·
Were it me,, I would fill the tanks half full of water and then put a half gal of vinegar in each one and let soak for a day. Then I would use NEW sponge with green srubby on one side and scrub and scrub.
 
#9 ·
Thank you all for the quick replies. They all where very helpful I have the first tank cleaned and am starting to cycle it. The second tank will be awhile (it was in alot worse sharpe)

Twistermom, I agree cleaning outside was out of the question (I'm form Indiana, we're neighbors). I ended up taking over the bathroom for most of the day.

Heres a picture of the first tank all cleaned up.
(im running it low on water to try and be safe in case it leaks, even though all of the silicone looked good)


I'm using the over the bank to start the cycle then i'll be switching to undergravel when I get the new air pump.
 
#11 ·
You did a great job with it!

The only thing I'd suggest is not going with the UGF. It seems that most people that had them have taken them out because every time you clean it you need to rip up your entire tank. I don't know if you're going planted or not, but that would be horrible with live plants. And, if you don't clean them you will end up with awful bacteria and nitrate problems. I think your best bet would be a good HOB filter or a canister filter if you want a lot of filtration. They're just easier to service and healthier for your aquarium in the long run.

So here's the real question. What are you going to put in them? :)
 
#13 ·
Thank you. :)
As far as the filter goes, I'm up in the air about the under gravel setup. I tried it one other time and kept having problems with it. I am think of getting another "Tetra" Internal Whisper Filter. I have one in my other 20 gallon and it works wonderfully only thing about it is that its pretty bulky. As far as fish, well I have several guppies and a few sword tails expecting. I've been trying to get rid of my guppies (all fancy) but the local shop's haven't been wanting any. I've been thinking about a couple more mollies and a few platties (maybe try a betta in a community)they always look sad in the cups at the stores.
I currently have 9 swordtails and 2 white mollies in a 20 gallon.

Thanks again!
 
#14 · (Edited)
Update...

Everything is going good I decided to change the substrate to sand instead of gravel. It was really quit easy (minus the rinsing). Here's a pic for the progress, the items in the tank are from my other tanks, besides the filter full of gravel from my main tank. (I'm trying to speed up the cycle time)

The filter used for to hold the gravel is an industrial coffee filter, I use them when I vacuum the substrate to recycle some of the water. (I put it in a strainer like you'd use for pasta)


Please leave any comments or suggestions good or bad. Thank you.

BTW.. Kim I decided to go with the Tetra Whisper Internal Power Filter it filters 150Gal Hour and is only 19$ at my local Walmart :)
 
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